Barneville-Carteret – Coutances Cycle Route

A coast‑to‑cathedral ride across Normandy’s bocage. This line links the seaside town of Barneville‑Carteret on the Cotentin Peninsula to historic Coutances, home to its striking Gothic cathedral. Expect a mostly off‑road feel: plenty of gravel and farm paths, quiet country lanes, and very little time on busy roads. It’s rolling rather than steep, with a few short climbs and an overall gentle drop as you head inland toward the Sienne valley.

Highlights: dunes and sea breezes at the start, hedgerows and dairy pastures in the middle, and classic Norman stone villages along the way. Surfaces range from compact gravel to loose sections with a bit of asphalt sprinkled in, so a gravel or trekking bike (35–45 mm tires) is ideal. After heavy rain, some stretches can get soft or muddy.

Ride it either direction; west‑to‑east often benefits from a coastal tailwind off the Channel. Services pop up in small towns, but it’s smart to stock up in Barneville‑Carteret and Coutances. Bring a GPX and lights—the path network can be twisty and shaded in places.